Cowboys WR Michael Gallup will play vs. Redskins following tragic death of his brother

Rookie receiver Michael Gallup was back with the Dallas Cowboys Wednesday and will play in the first-place NFC East showdown against the Washington Redskins Thursday on Thanksgiving Day after missing practice all week following the tragic death of his brother.

The funeral is set for Friday and Gallup will return to be with his family after the game.

Gallup’s brother died of an apparent suicide last weekend. He found out from his sister in the locker room following the Cowboys’ 22-19 against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday marring what had been a homecoming weekend.

Gallup was born in Atlanta and grew up but was raised in Monroe, Ga., did not return to Dallas with the team after the game. He remained with his family.

The third-round pick from Colorado State is the youngest of eight children and one of six who was adopted.

Coach Jason Garrett said Gallup came back in Tuesday night and met with the coaches. He was part of meetings and the walk-through practice on Wednesday.

Quarterback Dak Prescott said playing can help a player handle the pain, based on his own experiences of dealing with the death of his mother when he was college at Mississippi State.

“I know how the game helped me out,” Prescott said. “It just brings peace and allows me to go out there and be with a group of guys who you know have your back and almost get away from that. My heart is heavy for him. Don’t wish that upon anybody obviously. It’s not something you can plan deal with or say football is going to help you deal with it when the time comes. But I just hope he knows we’re all behind him and we all support him and we’re going to be there for him.”

Garrett offered similar sentiment.

“I think all these situations are unique. I don’t know if there is a blanket statement you can make. I think all of us as we go through challenging things. I do think getting back to routine and structure can typically help us. We are sensitive to where he has been the last few days and the challenging time it’s been for him and his family.”

Gallup will have a more limited role in the game because of the missed practice time but he knows enough of the offense to have an impact on a short week.

He has 16 catches for 285 yards and a touchdown this season and the starts on the outside opposite Amari Cooper with Cole Beasley in the slot.

This story was originally published November 21, 2018 at 12:28 PM.